Kedarnath heli shuttle service will start from April 22 with advanced features like live tracking, AWOS, PTZ cameras, and ATC systems. Uttarakhand government ensures safer and smoother Char Dham Yatra 2026 for pilgrims.
Dehradun, April 8, 2026
The Uttarakhand government is set to make the Kedarnath heli shuttle service fully high-tech this year to ensure a safer, smoother, and more organized Char Dham Yatra. Under the direction of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, advanced technologies have been integrated into heli operations to provide pilgrims with a transparent, secure, and improved travel experience.
The heli shuttle services will commence on April 22, coinciding with the opening of the portals of Kedarnath Temple. This year, a robust and modern monitoring system has been put in place to strengthen both operational efficiency and safety.
The Kedarnath heli service will operate from eight helipads. To ensure strict surveillance, 18 advanced Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) cameras are being installed, out of which 12 have already been set up. These cameras will enable real-time monitoring of flight activities, allowing swift action in case of emergencies.
Additionally, live tracking devices have been made mandatory in all helicopters. This will help authorities instantly track the location of any aircraft during emergencies or accidents, significantly improving rescue response time.
For the first time, Automatic Weather Observing Systems (AWOS) and ceilometers are being installed at Sahastradhara, Kedarnath, Badrinath, Sitapur, Jhala, and Kharsali. These systems will provide real-time and accurate weather updates to pilots and control rooms, ensuring safer flight operations.
During the Char Dham Yatra, Air Traffic Control (ATC) centers will be operational at Kedarnath, Badrinath Temple, Sahastradhara, and Sirsi. While ATC facilities are already functional at Sahastradhara and Sirsi, similar systems will soon be activated at Kedarnath and Badrinath.
Through ATC, passengers will receive timely updates regarding flight schedules, delays, cancellations, and weather conditions, ensuring better travel planning and management.
Three Very High Frequency (VHF) communication systems have been installed across helipads along the route, with three additional systems kept as backup. This will ensure seamless communication and coordination during operations.
According to UKADA CEO Dr. Ashish Chauhan, heli services during the Char Dham Yatra will be under constant high alert monitoring. Agencies such as the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, India Meteorological Department, and Airports Authority of India will closely oversee operations.
He added that installation of PTZ cameras, VHF systems, ceilometers, and automated weather systems at all helipads is progressing rapidly.
